However growers in low rainfall areas may not be getting the most out of the oat crops they plant, according to the Department of Agriculture and Food.

To remedy this, the department has started a low rainfall oat agronomy trial.

Research officer Dr Raj Malik says he's hoping to identify the most suitable varieties so export hay and milling oats can be grown in low rainfall areas.

He says growers in low rainfall areas are planting oat varieties that are in some cases 30 years old and are not getting the most out of their crops.

The trial, which is being conducted near Merredin and Cunderdin, will look at seeding rates and nitrogen applications of a number of new and upcoming oat varieties.

"In low rainfall zones people are growing oats only as an opportunity crop, or for feed only," Dr Malik said.

"There is a growing desire to expand oat production in low rainfall, particularly in the Eastern Wheatbelt, to diversify the crop sequences and maximise farm profitability, and thus the growers in these areas they are looking for information on which varieties to grow and what are the agronomic guidelines to grow oats for grain as well as oaten hay profitably."